Martin Edges his way into final

SOUTHPORT golfer Martin Edge ensured his long journey to play in the Midlands region qualifier of the Powerade PGA Assistants' Championship was not wasted as he carded a two-under-par 70 to win by a stroke and book his place in the final later this year.

SOUTHPORT golfer Martin Edge ensured his long journey to play in the Midlands region qualifier of the Powerade PGA Assistants' Championship was not wasted as he carded a two-under-par 70 to win by a stroke and book his place in the final later this year.

The 19-year-old from Hesketh made the 340-mile round trip from his home to Whittlebury Park in Towcester, Northamptonshire, as the North Region's equivalent clashes with final qualifying for the Open and Edge hopes to still be involved in that.

Edge was having a steady round, one over after 12, when he birdied the 13th, 15th, 16th and 17th and even a dropped shot did not affect his top spot.

"I was a little bit surprised my score was enough to win it but the conditions made it difficult," he said, making reference to the persistent rain which only added to an already saturated course.

"It was quite windy on the back nine and there were a few rain showers which made it wet underfoot but the greens held up well."

On his decision to play in the Midlands qualifier instead of the North the teenager, who the day before won the Leeds Cup west qualifier with a two-under-par 68 at Sale, added: "The North one clashed with Open final qualifying and if I got to that I wouldn't have been able to play in the assistants qualifier.

"I wouldn't have wanted to miss that qualifier because this is a prestigious event so that was my only option."

And on his two wins in successive days he said: "My form is okay. It was not great a couple of weeks ago but my boss and coach (Hesketh head pro Scott Astin) gave me a few pointers. He gave me a mini-lesson and a mini-putting lesson and it has helped a lot."

The PGA Assistants' Championship, which has a £5,000 first prize, has had some notable winners with former Ryder Cup captain Dai Rees winning in 1935 and 1936, the 'Voice of Golf' Peter Allis claiming the title in '52, Open and US Open champion Tony Jacklin in '65 and Barry Lane in '83.